Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations

CMS Urges States To Enforce Equal Visitation Rights

On Wednesday, CMS offered guidanceÂ to state hospital inspection agencies regarding equal visitation and representation rights. In November 2010, the agency issued a final ruleÂ requiring hospitals that participate in Medicare and Medicaid to allow patients to choose their visitors during a hospital stay and designate a person -- including a same-sex partner -- to make medical decisions on their behalf. The new guidance urges state regulators to ensure that hospitals are complying with the rules and explaining the rights to patients.